Decomposition
Rotting, Corruption
noun, の adjective, verbal noun
Rot and failure lead to decomposition and rotting. This word also has the related meaning of corruption, similar to how "rotten" can mean "corrupt" in English.
This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.
そこには、何かが腐敗したような臭いがただよっていた。
There was a smell of something decomposing in the air.
この添加物により、食品の腐敗が防げます。
This additive prevents food from rotting.
多くの人々が腐敗した政治組織にうんざりしています。
Many people are tired of the corrupt political ring.